Florida Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R) has joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers in introducing the United States-Ecuador Partnership Act. As per a press release from the South Florida Republican, the bill aims "to expand economic and commercial ties between the U.S. and Ecuador" among other issues.
In a statement, Rep. Salazar championed the bill, calling Ecuador "a critically important partner."
“We have enormous economic opportunities in Latin America and must prioritize building commercial and trade relations with our democratic friends like Ecuador," Salazar added, saying that she was proud of joining her "colleagues in introducing the US-Ecuador Partnership Act to strengthen and solidify this invaluable relationship.”
Salazar joins other lawmakers including New Jersey Rep. Albio Sires (D), who's serving as the Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, Civilian Security, Migration, and International Economic Policy.
The Senate has already introduced companion legislation, which was led by a bipartisan group of Senators including Florida Senator Marco Rubio (R). It has been approved by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and it scheduled to move to the Senate Floor for a final vote.
According to Salazar's press release, the legislation will also "facilitate conditions for inclusive economic growth, including for Afro-Ecuadorian and Indigenous communities; supports Ecuador’s leadership on environmental conservation and stewardship; reinforces Ecuador’s efforts to combat illicit economies, including corruption, human trafficking, and illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing; authorizes the transfer of two excess Coast Guard cutters to the Government of Ecuador; strengthens bilateral security cooperation on cyber, law enforcement, and penitentiary issues, as well as the challenges posed by the malicious activities of foreign states."
Salazar faces challengers including state Senator Annette Taddeo (D), who first sought the gubernatorial seat but then set her sights on District 27's congressional seat. Citing her experience in winning elections in a red district, Taddeo maintains that she can defeat Salazar in the November election.
